"The interesting thing about this, I felt, is that he went to his local pub but he was on his way to a fancy dress party," the presenter told viewers.

"TV comedy shows were the theme and obviously lots of people in programmes like 'Allo 'Allo! and Dad's Army wore Nazi uniforms.

"I remember going to fancy dress parties as a kid when they were the biggest shows on television and people wouldn't have thought twice about wearing Nazi uniforms. It didn't mean they supported the Nazis."

On the show, it was stressed to Piers that the costume was extremely offensive no matter what TV show the uniform was worn in, but the presenter didn't seem to agree as he continued to sympathise with Paul.

He explained: "The reason I feel sorry for him in a way is – apart from the timescale here and the mood was a bit different even then – this was not about supporting Nazis but about shows like 'Allo 'Allo!.

"They were hugely popular, especially with heroes and villains-themed parties. It didn't mean people supported what they did.